Surviving Recital 101
Parking?
We are expecting over 175 people per show. Please park around the back of the school and come in using the main front door of the school.
Does my child come ready to perform?
Please arrive with hair and makeup done. Dancers can change into their costumes and shoes once they’ve arrived.
What time do I need to be at the Shows?
Dancers are to arrive 1 hour prior to show start time. 5:30pm for evening shows, 11:00am for matinee show. Dancer’s will report to the Dancer Check Area located just outside of the backstage area. IF YOU ARE LATE, WE CAN’T HOLD YOUR CLASS PERFORMANCE.
Can I go backstage with my dancer?
No, unfortunately there is not enough room backstage to allow all parents back. Please drop your dancer off at the check in table and a parent volunteer will bring your superstar backstage and ensure they are feeling welcomed and ready to hit the stage.
Who will be watching my dancer backstage?
Not to worry, we will have plenty of parent volunteers backstage keeping an eye on things. Classes with dancers under the age of 7 will have an assigned parent for their individual class to keep an eye on your superstars and help them with anything they may need.
Wanting to volunteer backstage? Be sure to sign up on our volunteer page.
Flowers
Giving flowers to a performer after their show is an age-old tradition. While it is of course optional it is always a fun surprise for your dancer to receive flowers after their fantastic job performing on stage. We are happy to provide you with an easy option to pre-order flowers through your parent portal. We will also have a limited amount available for purchase at the show.
Programs
Our show programs are similar to school yearbooks. Each class will have their group picture that was taken at photo day included with their names below. In our programs you will find ads from supporters around the community as well as our show line up. This is a great keepsake and a great way to see when your superstar is coming up in the show.
After the show?
Be so proud of your dancer. Getting on stage and “giving it your all” can be scary, a thrill, and ultimately a huge confidence-booster for kids. Try to stay positive (even if you have to drive and hit traffic) because your dancer will take vibe cues from you. Once you arrive, there will be lots of us ready to support you and your dancer. When on stage, the louder you cheer, the better they’ll dance. And remember… HUGE HUGS all around after the show! The most important thing is for your dancer to have fun and feel an amazing sense of accomplishment.
When do you pick up your dancer after they perform?
We ask that all dancers stay till the end of the show. Once the show is over ONE PERSON from your family will go back to the drop off/pick up area to pick up your dancer.
Do I need to Bring My Tickets to the Show?
Yes, please bring confirmation of your ticket purchase to the show. We can also scan on your phone if you have everyone in your party with you. Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and once used, non-transferable. Hands will be stamped.
Can I save seats for general admission?
Yes, but please be respectful to people and only reserve 6 seats together.
When do the lobby doors open before the show?
Audience members are welcome to arrive and start lining up at 5:30pm. Doors will open at 6:15pm. If you arrive late our amazing usher will be happy to help you find a seat at an appropriate time between dances.
What if your dancer has multiple routines?
Dance Directions will not be responsible for changing your child into their next costume. We have dressing rooms and parent volunteers to help with changes. We DO NOT allow any adult males in the backstage area at any time.
What if my child has a Quick Change?
Please remember that each dance is around 2 min to 3 min long. We do our best to avoid any quick changes with less than 2 dances in between. Your dancer will come off stage and immediately change into their next costume. They will then immediately go backstage to go on stage.
What if I have a boy dancer in the show?
All the boys that have 1 dance will sit with the other dancers backstage. If you have a BOY dancer that needs to change, they have a specific dressing room.
What does my child do while they are backstage?
Please have your dancer bring a quiet activity to do backstage. We recommend colouring books with pencil crayons, a book to read etc. Please also bring a healthy snack that will not stain costumes.
What if my child needs to use the restroom backstage?
We have lots of older dancers and backstage parents that are ready to help.
Where are the restrooms located?
The restrooms are located in the school hallway just by the lobby as well as one backstage.
What if one of our guests is handicapped?
We will do our best to accommodate our handicapped guests. Please notify us no later than 48 hours prior to show time so we can reserve the appropriate seats for you.
NO VIDEOTAPING OR PHOTOGRAPHY DURING THE SHOWS- EVEN IPHONES/IPADS, – WE WILL STOP THE SHOW AND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE (a digital download of one of the shows will be available for purchase after recital so sit back and enjoy the show!)
Limited flowers and programs will be available for purchase at the theatre before the show and during intermission. All funds raised from our flowers and programs will be used for our scholarship fund and upgrades to our dance home.
Shows start and run on time.
Don’t Be Late